SANITARIAN I

Cook County•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sanitarian I works in the Public Health Department and conducts inspections and investigations in a variety of settings to implement public health programs. The role collects samples, evaluates conditions, documents findings clearly and legibly, and submits reports to support correction of public health hazards. The position is based in Rolling Meadows, with a stated shift of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is grant funded through June 30, 2027, and requires moderate to heavy local travel throughout Cook County. Salary is commensurate with documented experience provided at the time of application; experience not disclosed or documented then will not be considered for initial step placement. The employee must follow healthcare-environment safety requirements, including personal protective equipment, handwashing and sanitizing practices, department-specific engineering and work-practice controls, and other applicable safety precautions. A bachelor's degree in Environmental Health Science is required, though applicants with a related bachelor's degree and at least 30 semester hours in basic sciences may be considered. Official transcripts are required at interview.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health Science from an accredited college or university, or a bachelor's degree in a related field with at least 30 semester hours in the basic sciences; official transcripts are required at interview.
Valid driver's license and insured vehicle, or another acceptable and reliable means of transportation, for moderate to heavy local travel.
Must participate in assigned training, including FEMA NIMS training, to obtain mandated certifications.
Knowledge of local, county, state, and federal environmental health regulations and public health standards.
Knowledge of chemistry, bacteriology, entomology, toxicology, and epidemiology as they relate to environmental health and public health protection.
Knowledge of sanitation principles, methods, and techniques.
Strong written and communication skills, including the ability to write investigative reports and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to travel throughout Cook County.
Applicants seeking veteran preference must meet the position's minimum qualifications, identify as a veteran on the application, and attach applicable discharge documentation when filing; original applicable discharge papers are required at interview.

Responsibilities

Inspect retail food establishments, private sewage disposal systems, potable water supplies, public swimming pools, mobile home parks, body art and tattoo establishments, tanning salons, and abandoned, new, or existing water wells, among other settings.
Conduct log surveys for private sewage disposal systems, witness percolation tests, and perform dye tests on private sewage disposal systems.
Collect food, water, and sewage effluent samples for analysis using prescribed methods.
Evaluate establishments for compliance with applicable smoke-free environment laws.
Investigate reported or assigned public health nuisances.
Prepare clear, concise, legible inspection reports for supervisory or administrative review and comment.
Prepare reports, with supervisory or administrative assistance, for submission to the State's Attorney for litigation.
Testify in court or at hearings on behalf of the Cook County Department of Public Health when needed to obtain regulatory compliance in environmental health programs.
Travel throughout Cook County.
Participate in assigned training, including FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) online training to obtain mandated certifications.
Adhere to applicable hospital and department safety requirements, including PPE, handwashing and sanitizing, engineering controls, and work-practice controls.